Precision laser cutting machines are incredibly versatile tools, capable of slicing through a variety of materials with precision. However, the thickness they can handle depends on the machine and the material. Let’s break down how thick different laser cutters can go:
Metal Laser Cutting Machines
Carbon Steel
A 1000W fiber laser cutter can typically handle carbon steel up to 10mm thick. Need to cut something heftier, like a 36mm carbon steel plate? A good-quality steel plate and an optimal speed of around 650mm/min are key. With top-notch materials and a quality machine, you can achieve high cutting quality even at these thicker depths.
Stainless Steel
Cutting stainless steel presents more of a challenge. A 1000W fiber laser cutter can manage stainless steel up to about 25mm thick when using high-pressure nitrogen as an auxiliary gas, although the cutting speed drops to around 400mm/min. In many cases, mild steel up to 25mm and stainless steel up to 16mm are the go-to for laser cutting, especially in regions like China.
High-Power Lasers
Need to tackle extremely thick materials? High-power laser cutters, boasting up to 60kW, can slice through materials as thick as 200mm to 300mm. The greater the power, the deeper the cut.
Wood Laser Cutting Machines
While specifics on wood cutting weren’t provided, it’s worth noting that wood laser cutters typically don’t cut as deeply as their metal counterparts. The depth they can achieve also depends on the machine’s power and the type of wood.
Key Takeaways
The cutting depth of a laser cutter varies widely based on its power and the material you’re working with. Higher-power machines can handle thicker materials, but you might need to adjust speed and cutting quality for the best results.
Check out some answers to our most popular laser cutting questions:



